Lakeland Dairies has announced it will close three of its sites by 2025, potentially putting 78 jobs at risk. 

The company intends to shut a milk processing facility in Coolshannagh, County Monaghan, and a milk drying facility at Lough Egish, County Monaghan, between next year and 2025. 

It said it is implementing changes to “ensure the co-operative is well placed to meet future market requirements”. 

A site in Banbridge, County Down, mostly used for butter-churning and powder storage, will close in June. 

“Regrettably, redundancies will be necessary to realise this strategy as operations will be ceased on the three sites,” it said in a statement. 

“Lakeland Dairies has commenced an engagement and consultation process with staff and their unions directly.” 

Social protection

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said supports will be put in place to support workers impacted by the closure. 

“My thoughts, first and foremost, are with the workers at Lakeland Dairies and their families as they come to terms with this devastating news,” she said. 

“Any decision by such a company to make staff redundant is deeply disappointing. 

“I want the workers at Lakeland Dairies to know that my Department of Social Protection is here to help them in any way we can in the weeks and months to come. 

“Earlier today, I spoke to the CEO of Lakeland Dairies, Colin Kelly, and my officials will immediately make contact with the company to discuss what supports can be put in place.” 

She said, similar to other redundancy situations, the Department of Social Protection will put in place a range of supports to assist any staff member impacted by the closure. 

The remaining 1,300 Lakeland Dairies staff will not be directly impacted.